RUSTON, La. — In a thrilling match on Saturday, Sean Newman Jr. powered Louisiana Tech to a 66-61 victory over Sam Houston, contributing eight of his total 22 points in a tense overtime period.

Newman, who also recorded eight assists, played a key role in the Bulldogs’ success, who now hold a record of 16-6 and are 5-4 in Conference USA. Amaree Abram demonstrated his shooting prowess, sinking four shots from beyond the arc for a total of 16 points, along with securing six rebounds. Daniel Batcho chipped in with a solid performance, hitting 7 of 15 attempts from the floor for 14 points.

On the opposing side, the Bearkats were led by Lamar Wilkerson, who scored 17 points and made two steals. Teammate Marcus Boykin contributed significantly with 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while Cameron Huefner added another 12 points and three steals.

In the first half, Newman emerged strong, accumulating 10 points and helping Louisiana Tech to a narrow lead of 32-30 at halftime. As the game progressed, Boykin managed to tie the score at 51 when he hit a pair of free throws with just 31 seconds left, pushing the contest into overtime.

During the extra period, Newman was instrumental, scoring six points from the free-throw line, which ultimately helped secure the win for his team. The closely contested match showcased both teams’ resilience and made for an exciting atmosphere for fans in attendance.